Get ready to help the Rotary, Rock the “D” again this year on March 3rd. Dancing, Detroit style entertainment and “D” apparel is encouraged!

Last year, Trenton Rotary brought the “Rockin the D Downriver” to Crystal Gardens to the “D” light of 500 partygoers. This year, on March 3, the club will be “Rockin’ the D” again at 6 p.m. at Crystal Gardens in Southgate. With a fresh look at Detroit entertainment, guests can expect some really “Cool Jams” again this year.

The affair includes a dinner buffet, dancing and an open bar, Detroit-themed auction items and plenty of interactive activities throughout the night to make attendees feel like they are in the heart of the city, right here in Southgate.

This year’s event will feature local DJ Ron Hyde of High Altitude Entertainment, focusing on all Detroit dance tunes.

“Many people who have attended prior Rotary events have used the event as a very practical venue for a company party or an opportunity to entertain their family, friends and clients.” Ray Yee, co-chairman for the event said.

Ticket pricing includes a quantity discount for those who really want to make it a “party.” One to nine tickets are $50 each in advance; 10-19 tickets are $45 each until Jan. 15, making this a very affordable value for an evening.

This “D-lightful” event will also offer a full range of reasonably priced sponsorship opportunities that provide valuable local exposure both onsite and through event promotion and marketing efforts. Sponsor opportunities include: for $2,500, The Big “D” sponsorship, the business that sponsors the Big “D” will be featured on the main screen all evening and includes 20 reserved VIP ticket seating, a full page ad in program and website listing. The “D” Entertainment Sponsor will be Drs. Jackson Snider & Parker DDS this year. More sponsorship information is available online at www.trentonrotary.net.

The event also will feature silent and “super mega” silent auctions throughout the evening, as well as a variety of prize drawings. The list of auction items will range from themed gift baskets to Detroit getaways and vacations, plus a few unique surprise offerings.

Trenton Rotary supports more than 50 different charities or events each year by its donations and volunteer efforts. Proceeds from last year’s “D Downriver” aided a number of causes, including providing funds to support programs for ChristNet, Penrickton Center for Blind Children, the St. Philips of Trenton Food Pantry, a dental clinic and medical clinic in Nicaragua, and Trenton High School’s Food for the Hungry, to name just a few.

Trenton Rotary will be “Rockin’ the D” again at 6 p.m. March 3 at Crystal Gardens in Southgate. The affair includes a dinner buffet, dancing and an open bar, Detroit-themed auction items and plenty of interactive activities throughout the night to make attendees feel like they are in the heart of the city, right here in Southgate.

This year’s event will feature the local DJ, Ron Hyde of High Altitude Entertainment, focusing on all Detroit dance tunes.

Ticket pricing includes a quantity discount for those who really want to make it a “party.” One to nine tickets are $50 each in advance; 10-19 tickets are $45 each until Jan. 15, making this a very affordable value for an evening.

Trenton Rotary supports more than 50 different charities or events each year by its donations and volunteer efforts. Proceeds from last year’s “D Downriver” aided a number of causes, including providing funds to support programs for ChristNet, Penrickton Center for Blind Children, the St. Philips of Trenton Food Pantry, a dental clinic and medical clinic in Nicaragua, and Trenton High School’s Food for the Hungry, to name just a few.

Coy Coon (left), Pola Coon, Pat Hudok, Tim Labadie and Lillian Barker help distribute food at the St. Philip Food Pantry. The pantry at St. Philip Lutheran Church has been available to help needy families since 2007.

As all of us know and the National Weather Service has confirmed, Michigan has had one of the coldest and snowiest winters in recorded history. These winter weather conditions have exacerbated the challenges facing needy people and families in our community.

In fact, with the economic conditions in our area, the extreme weather conditions this winter, and the challenges of cuts to unemployment benefits to many, the need for food is growing.

To help meet this growing need for food and manifest its mission of sharing God’s love for one another, knowing Christ, and serving the world, St. Philip Lutheran Church in Trenton runs a weekly food pantry. This food pantry is unique in that it offers client choice, where clients can choose the kinds of food desired.

Since the holiday season has come to an end, donations to the local food pantries have remained minimal, while the number of families being served continues to grow.

The Trenton Food Pantry and the St. Philip Food Pantry have both seen an increase in need due to the state of our still-struggling economy.

During the months of November and December, the local food pantries receive a great amount of support through community efforts implemented by organizations such as The Goodfellows and the Boy Scouts. However, once the holiday season passes by, the donations from the community seem to trickle off.